Question

Can someone please explain the regulation of gene expression as key mechanisms underlying cell differentiation, development, aging, and diseases in multi-cellular organisms?

Answer 1

The process of cellular differentiationis under strict regulation by transcription factors which can either activate or repress expression ofgenes that will affect the proteome of the cell and thus, provide the necessary components it needs to become a specialized cell.

The aging process is driven at the cellular level by random molecular damage that slowly accumulates with age. Although cells possess mechanisms to repair or remove damage, they are not 100% efficient and their efficiency declines with age.